The Bench issued the order while hearing a petition filed by Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar and Sunil Divkar, who alleged that the authorities failed to act against the nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane, despite repeated complaints. | Photo Credit: Reuters
A Division Bench of Justices Sarang Kotwal and Ashish Chavan said the issue involved “larger public interest” and ordered the Registry to register a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition. The Bench issued the order while hearing a petition filed by Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar and Sunil Divkar, who alleged that the authorities failed to act against the nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane, despite repeated complaints.
The nightclub was gutted in a massive fire on the intervening night between December 6 and December 7 at Arpora, killing 25 people. The Bench noted, “Someone has to be held accountable. From the arguments, what could be seen is that the problem lies in the construction of illegal structures and indiscriminate grants of licences. Though there are certain provisions under the local laws, they remain dead letters in the statute books.”
Need to fix accountability
The judges observed that demolition orders passed by local bodies were often stayed by appellate authorities, allowing commercial activities to continue. “In some cases, though the structures are illegal, licences are granted for commercial businesses. All this has led to a very serious issue in the State of Goa. Authorities must work together proactively rather than shifting blame,” the court said, stressing the need to fix accountability to prevent recurrence of such tragedies.
The Bench appointed advocate Rohit Bras de Sa as amicus curiae, directing him to file a comprehensive memo covering all local bodies and adjudicating authorities.
The State government has been asked to indicate corrective measures and whether any officer or authority can be held responsible.
The original petition highlighted “an alarming pattern of statutory violations that have remained inadequately addressed despite multiple complaints, inspections, show-cause notices, and even a demolition order.” It warned of threats to public safety, ecological integrity, and the rule of law. Among the violations cited were illegal constructions in eco-sensitive salt pans, discharge of untreated sewage into the Baga river, and operation of a discotheque in a structurally compromised building partially submerged in water.
The Arpora Panchayat had earlier issued a demolition notice to a structure allegedly belonging to Surinder Kumar Khosla, leased to Being GS Hospitality Goa Arpora LLP, owned by Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who were running the nightclub. Despite the notice, commercial operations continued.
Investigations have revealed that the club lacked mandatory permissions. The Goa Police have arrested five managers and staff members, while co-owners Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra were detained in Thailand after they fled India.
Published – December 16, 2025 02:02 am IST
